The White House released a short note on Tuesday downplaying rising concerns about the growing power of Islamist theocrats in Egypt.
The White House note instead played up the relatively minor issue of economic trade, even as a pro-democracy riot broke out at Egypt’s presidential palace.
Egypt’s president is an Islamist who is pushing a controversial draft constitution that would establish Islam as the foundation for the nation’s laws, society and business sector.
“National Security Advisor Tom Donilon met today with Assistant to the President of Egypt for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Dr. Essam el-Haddad,” began the press statement, which was released 7.32 p.m. EST, after the evening TV news shows had aired.
“They discussed a broad range of issues, including our bilateral economic cooperation, joint efforts to promote regional security and build on the cease-fire in Gaza, and Egypt’s democratic transition and the need to move forward with a peaceful and inclusive transition that respects the rights of all Egyptians,” the statement said.
Since Nov. 22, when Egypt’s president declared himself exempt from judicial rulings, White House spokesman Jay Carney has said little about the coup and turmoil.
President Barack Obama has said nothing in public on the matter, even though he pressured Egypt’s army to remove the country’s secular autocrat in 2011 — a move that helped the Islamist group gain the presidency and a super-majority in the country’s parliament.
Tuesday’s brief announcement came as thousands of pro-democracy protesters pushed up against Egypt’s presidential palace, prompting a back-door exit by President Mohammed Morsi.
